
The new NetFlix/Marvel TV series, Luke Cage, debuted today and the instant reviews are in! The series kickoff with episode 1 introduces us to a collection of characters with complex stories and circumstances which place them on collision course in the future. Right now, we are just scratching the surface of their motivations but the soundtrack by Adrian Younge and Ali Shaheed Muhammad (A Tribe Called Quest) is proving to be a pleasant backdrop. Raphael Saadiq lends his talents, performing as himself, in Harlem’s Paradise, the club owned by our main villain, Cottonmouth aka Mr. Stokes. Check out my review for some more details and a few minor spoilers. If you haven’t watched any Marvel movies because they’re too comic booky or you’re wondering when superheroes are gonna find a Black person to play lead role, this is it. For those who liked The Wire, it may remind you of that. If you’re wondering if this is connected to the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe, there are some definite callbacks in episode 1. If you have the time you should check it out.